Black, yellow and red forms filed off buses with bursts of nervous laughter, some with posters clutched between their sweating fingertips. Snow heightened the mood of the event as it clung to the ground. Wisps of breath danced from the mouths of animated spectators. While family and friends charged into the arena, the hockey players were gearing up and launching themselves into ‘game mode’ through rushed pep talks and pumped-up slaps on the backs. The night was alive and young and the evening had just begun.

 

Quivering, the walls, floors and occupants of the Kerry Park Ice Rink shook with excitement as the 13th annual Shawnigan vs Brentwood Showcase Hockey game began. Players lined up for the initial face off and for the entire evening, people stood, roaring with pride and shouting out numbers, players’ names, and chants involving their school’s name.

 

Briefly, I was able to imagine it: a classic Tim Horton’s ad. How the puck managed to travel from the simplicity of a backyard pond to a global sport is beyond comprehension. The fact is, it’s brilliant.

 

So, here we were, 750 people packed together on a Saturday night in January in the hockey arena while far to the east, in Montreal, 20,000 similarly ardent spectators huddled to watch the Maple Leafs face off the beloved Canadiens. In both cases, “The Good Old Hockey Game” has pulsed through generations and has made its indelible mark on Canadian culture.

 

One of the greatest fortunes that humans have is the ability to assemble and celebrate a common interest. As you may be able to visualize, the annual game between these two rivals, Brentwood College and Shawnigan Lake School, is beyond incredible. Many international students, from exotic tropic climes, were among the crowd whilst we all watched a sport that is quintessentially cold and Canadian.

 

Throughout the game, players were occasionally sent to the penalty box due to ‘roughing’ and other mishaps, but neither side lost face. Anticipation rose and fell in tango with ‘Ou’s’ and ‘Ah’s’ and when the scoreboard reflected Brentwood’s lead 4-2, Austin G led the Brentwood crowd through the following cheer: “Is this the winning team? Yes, it’s the winning team!” while we all pointed with satisfaction to our side. The night ended well for Brentwood with a victorious score of 4-3.

 

Recognition and congratulations should go out to our scorers: Christian J, Joey R, Jake B and Avery S along with those who assisted: Joey R, Mike M, Tristan K and Avery S. “Shivers”, as described by Christian J, ran through the players on the ice as their fans lost their voices to the spirit of the game.

 

The Good Old ‘Showcase’ Game is the best game you can name.

 

Annie L